The Federal Aviation Administration issued a nationwide ground stop Friday, ordering airports across the United States to hold departing flights following a communications issue affecting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the disruption, saying FAA technicians were investigating the problem and would provide updates as more information became available.

"The FAA issued a nationwide ground stop for all U.S. airports following a communication issue impacting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers," Duffy said in a statement posted on X. "FAA technicians are investigating the issue. We will provide immediate updates as we have them."

The order took effect shortly before 4 p.m. Eastern and required airlines and airport operators to keep departing aircraft on the ground until further notice. The FAA described the situation as involving extraordinary circumstances and cited safety concerns.

The disruption followed earlier reports of communications problems affecting air traffic control operations, including a departure halt in Chicago. The nationwide directive expanded the restrictions to airports throughout the country as the agency worked to determine the cause and restore normal operations.

International flights arriving in the United States were being handled on a case-by-case basis, according to the FAA. The agency had not immediately announced how long the ground stop would remain in effect.

Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updated departure information as delays and cancellations continued to affect air travel.